The Phoenix Suns host the San Antonio Spurs Wednesday and will be without veteran small forward Trevor Ariza, who is away from the team due to a personal matter. As a result, Suns rookie Mikal Bridges will make his first start of his NBA career, according to head coach Igor Kokoskov.
In a draft night trade with the Philadelphia 76ers, the Suns acquired Mikal Bridges, who played his college ball at Villanova University.
#Suns coach Igor Kokoskov described Ariza’s personal matter as a family situation. https://t.co/ipWxt8eH6s
— Gina Mizell (@ginamizell) November 15, 2018
As expected, rookie Mikal Bridges will start at small forward tonight for the #Suns vs. San Antonio, per Kokoskov. And rookie De’Anthony Melton will be the backup point guard with Elie Okobo on a G League assignment.
— Gina Mizell (@ginamizell) November 15, 2018
In 13 games this season, Mikal Bridges is averaging 7.2 points and 1.5 assists. The 22-year-old Philadelphia native is shooting 43.2 percent from the field, 35.9 percent from beyond the arc and 88.2 percent from the free-throw line.
Bridges enters Wednesday playing roughly 18 minutes a night. He should see close to 25-30 minutes against the Spurs with Trevor Ariza out.
The Suns have the worst record in the Western Conference right now. They are just 2-11 on the season and enter Wednesday on a four-game losing streak. Bridges has been a winner his whole basketball life. You often wonder when a rookie goes to a losing situation, will it affect his demeanor and attitude.
So far, Mikal Bridges has been active every time he plays and has shown good body language. That's a good sign since the Suns aren't going to contend for a playoff spot this season.
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